Kobi Simmons

[Ughhhh]

I'm not already looking ahead, just noting I read Chris Fisher's tweets hinting that Simmons now is more likely to commit to UK in the Spring than not. He said this after a guy asked if he thought UK could still get Simmons. At first Fisher said no, but then a few hours later replied with "let me amend that ." Of course, this would all depend on who stays and goes. If all 6 NBA prospects leave we would have 12 scholarship players, so 1 scholly left for Simmons. That includes EJ. But if one stays, no scholarships are left, unless EJ's is taken away. Thoughts?

 

[jarms24]

I'd be shocked if Simmons still came to UK, but with Cal, anything is possible. I wouldn't be surprised if he recruited LeBron James at this point.

 

[Mike_Edwards]

If all three guards leave I think it is a given Cal tries to replace all three with Simmons being the third, if not no room IMO-Indy

 

[WildMoon]

Where do you see Chris saying that?

I asked the question, and he responded with most likely they are done. I can't find where he had a wink and amended.

 

[Smashcat]

If all three guards leave I think it is a given Cal tries to replace all three with Simmons being the third, if not no room IMO-Indy

Absolutely.
I for one would hope Ulis stays to play with Fox and Monk, but sounds like Cal wants Ulis in the NBA next year.

 

[Ughhhh]

Where do you see Chris saying that?

I asked the question, and he responded with most likely they are done. I can't find where he had a wink and amended.

On Twitter he responded to @fresh2cockyy

 

[WildMoon]

On Twitter he responded to @fresh2cockyy

ah i see, he didn't really say anything else in Catpause forum. So, i'm guessing the wink is probably more of a "i don't actually want to doubt Cal and that he can't get third PG."

So basically, you never know wink. It's just a guess...

 

[jarms24]

Looks like Fisher amended the tweet in re: to if we will get Simmons:



If I'm reading this correctly, he thinks we will get Simmons. That would be one epic, kick ass haul by Calipari!

 

[MKGMVP]

I hope Kobi Simmons end up at UK. If for nothing else, the kid seems to really want to be here

 

[ccukuk]

I'm not already looking ahead, just noting I read Chris Fisher's tweets hinting that Simmons now is more likely to commit to UK in the Spring than not. He said this after a guy asked if he thought UK could still get Simmons. At first Fisher said no, but then a few hours later replied with "let me amend that ." Of course, this would all depend on who stays and goes. If all 6 NBA prospects leave we would have 12 scholarship players, so 1 scholly left for Simmons. That includes EJ. But if one stays, no scholarships are left, unless EJ's is taken away. Thoughts?

Sorry, screw EJ

 

[JWat_]

Sorry, screw EJ

Mentioned this on another thread, his dad is a millionaire and kids of employees get like half tuition anyway. I think he can afford to pay half in-state tuition if we really needed an extra scholly.

 

[Big Cat fan]

I thought we lead for him?

 

[jarms24]

I thought we lead for him?

Well we did, and still might, but we just locked up Fox and Monk, so it'd be quite the haul to pick up another 5* PG. Nonetheless, if it can be done, Cal will do it.

 

[MKGMVP]

Sorry, screw EJ

EJ seems like a nice kid but I'll pass.

 

[CatPhight]

IMO, if Ulis declares, he'll be a Cat.

 

[JerseyCat84]

IMO, if Ulis declares, he'll be a Cat.

and if he doesn't declare, we keep Ulis

 

[gracetoyou]

Simmons wants UK. The reason for the wait is to see if all 3 UK guards go pro. 2 are pretty likely, Ullis & Murray, still remains to be seen what happens with Briscoe. I'll say Briscoe is better than I thought he would be at this point.

Either way...I say Simmons will be a Cat.

 

[rabidcatfan]

Kobi Simmons REALLY wants to play here, but he also wants to be THE GUY and he can't be that here, especially not with the group we have coming in already. I could see Cal bringing him in as a hybrid CG/SF because of his size, but that would also mean that there are going to be a lot of guys not seeing many minutes. As it is, if we lose Poy, Ulis, Murray, Skal, and Briscoe, then that leaves Lee, Willis, Matthews, Humphries, Mulder, and Hawkins to form the foundation of the 2016-2017 team. Lee may even be gone if he keeps playing like he has, so lets consider if Lee is gone too, our most likely starting lineup would then be:

PG - Fox
SG - Monk
SF - Gabriel/Willis
PF - Adebayo
C - Humphries

That means we have to find minutes for Willis/Gabriel and Matthews for sure, and also Killeya-Jones. Add into that having to find minutes for Kobi Simmons as well and you're talking Cal maybe having to revisit the platoon system again. No, as much as I'd like to have all of the top guys out there, I believe that Cal has signed his class and is moving on to 2017 and I think we will see Kobi SImmons suiting up for the Buckeyes next season.

 

[KMKAT]

I am really starting to like the 3 guard lineup. I was hesitant about Bledsoe and Wall at the same time, but since '09, its becoming quite common.

3 guards really opens up the court for us and gives us options to drive on both sides of the court. We have never had that SF that liked to drive to the basket. Cal so far hasn't brought in that kind of player.

Saying that, Simmons would be a terrific fit here, even if Briscoe came back. Yes, we know all guys who come to UK want to be OAD, but Simmons will learn so much under one year than he will under a Matta. Even if it takes 2 years to fulfill your dream of playing in the NBA.

Final point: If Simmons really wanted to go elsewhere, he could have signed by now. It sure looks like to me he wants to play for Cal. So why wait?
The numbers will work themselves out.

I'll be in person to see Simmons in Dec here in Atlanta and let him know Kentucky is watching him while he makes his decision.

 

[4UK]

I may come down to what the 2017 PGs or even combo guards look like. I haven't looked closely enough to even know the quality or depth of talent, but Cal may be selling him on come for one year and play the Deandre Liggins role, then take over the PG position as a sophomore, as there is no way Fox and Monk return.

If Simmons is OK not being a one and done, and Cal likes him more than the 2017 PGs, then that seems like a good match. But there's clearly a reason why he's waiting, and I don't think it's because he can't decide between UNLV and Ohio St.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

I am really starting to like the 3 guard lineup. I was hesitant about Bledsoe and Wall at the same time, but since '09, its becoming quite common.

3 guards really opens up the court for us and gives us options to drive on both sides of the court. We have never had that SF that liked to drive to the basket. Cal so far hasn't brought in that kind of player.

Saying that, Simmons would be a terrific fit here, even if Briscoe came back. Yes, we know all guys who come to UK want to be OAD, but Simmons will learn so much under one year than he will under a Matta. Even if it takes 2 years to fulfill your dream of playing in the NBA.

Final point: If Simmons really wanted to go elsewhere, he could have signed by now. It sure looks like to me he wants to play for Cal. So why wait?
The numbers will work themselves out.

I'll be in person to see Simmons in Dec here in Atlanta and let him know Kentucky is watching him while he makes his decision.

Oh never? MKG? Darius Miller? To be fair the drunk gets technical credit for Miller although he would have came to UK for Cal as well (duh).

 

[ralphdaltonfan]

UK doesn't need Simmons--Charles Matthews will be a perfect fit with Fox/Monk and he'll be experienced and improved.

UK is onto Trevon Duval, Trae Young, etc........and should be.

 

[Buck Creek Cat]

Kobi Simmons REALLY wants to play here, but he also wants to be THE GUY and he can't be that here, especially not with the group we have coming in already. I could see Cal bringing him in as a hybrid CG/SF because of his size, but that would also mean that there are going to be a lot of guys not seeing many minutes. As it is, if we lose Poy, Ulis, Murray, Skal, and Briscoe, then that leaves Lee, Willis, Matthews, Humphries, Mulder, and Hawkins to form the foundation of the 2016-2017 team. Lee may even be gone if he keeps playing like he has, so lets consider if Lee is gone too, our most likely starting lineup would then be:

PG - Fox
SG - Monk
SF - Gabriel/Willis
PF - Adebayo
C - Humphries

That means we have to find minutes for Willis/Gabriel and Matthews for sure, and also Killeya-Jones. Add into that having to find minutes for Kobi Simmons as well and you're talking Cal maybe having to revisit the platoon system again. No, as much as I'd like to have all of the top guys out there, I believe that Cal has signed his class and is moving on to 2017 and I think we will see Kobi SImmons suiting up for the Buckeyes next season.

What about the wood chopper from New Zealand? He's 6'10 250.

 

[SDcatfan13]

It's good to think 2 years ahead in recruiting. Next year the roster is close to full, but for 2017-18, it would be nice to have a guy coming back with some experience, as Kentucky will lose a lot after 2016-17. Lee, Willis, Hawkins, and Mulder will be gone for sure, and it's safe to say Ulis, Briscoe, and Murray won't be here. For the 2016 class, so far the only player who I think will be a multi-year player is Killeya-Jones, and I'm guessing there's a good chance Wynyard and Humphries are still there in 2017-18, along with Matthews as a possibility. Simmons would be good to take in 2016 for the sake of backcourt continuity to go with the 2017 class.

 

[RondoBaller21]

What about the wood chopper from New Zealand? He's 6'10 250.

HAWKINS too

 

[bucsrule8872]

I think we are set for next year, though a Simmons addition would be fine.

The top six are gone, IMHO.

Right now, I see a solid 8-man rotation:

G Fox
G Monk
G Matthews
F Gabriel
F Willis
F Adebayo
F Killeya-Jones
F Humphries

Not sure who will start. Fox at the 1, Monk at the 2, and Adebayo at the 4 should be locks. Not sure who starts at the 3 spot (Gabriel, Willis, or Matthews) or at the 5 spot (SKJ or Humphries).

Hawkins, Mulder, and Wynyard probably see spot minutes.

Probably one of the deepest teams we have ever had, but young as usual.

 

[CarolinaCat11]

UK doesn't need Simmons--Charles Matthews will be a perfect fit with Fox/Monk and he'll be experienced and improved.

UK is onto Trevon Duval, Trae Young, etc........and should be.

Ralph -- any word on Simmons though?

 

[ralphdaltonfan]

Ralph -- any word on Simmons though?

Would've thought you'd have picked up on this already. Simmons is not a take. There is a reason he wasn't allowed to commit, and notice what Cal said today about other players wanting to play with De'Aaron Fox? Same wasn't said about Kobi Simmons and if you've seen him play, you know why.

Some take his recruitment as "he really wants UK...."--Kobi seeks attention. He's made up a lot of BS that was never said or true "I'm their guy....." or asking a Duke reporter to say he's being recruited by Duke when he's not nor was he, and a lot of what he's about is him. He's young, so part of growing process but as a few fans here mentioned and I emphatically support--Fox was/is/will be the better player/fit for UK.

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

Would've thought you'd have picked up on this already. Simmons is not a take. There is a reason he wasn't allowed to commit, and notice what Cal said today about other players wanting to play with De'Aaron Fox? Same wasn't said about Kobi Simmons and if you've seen him play, you know why.

Some take his recruitment as "he really wants UK...."--Kobi seeks attention. He's made up a lot of BS that was never said or true "I'm their guy....." or asking a Duke reporter to say he's being recruited by Duke when he's not nor was he, and a lot of what he's about is him. He's young, so part of growing process but as a few fans here mentioned and I emphatically support--Fox was/is/will be the better player/fit for UK.

Exactly. If he was allowed to commit he would have. Cal was pushing this off waiting for what he wanted. Well, he got it. Now, finished for next year, he turns to the one after. Mad scientist at work. This is why no one out recruits Cal. I have watched Simmons multiple times, and while he is talented, he is not the guy we want either trying to mesh with, or lead, our team; either this year or next. All of this in my own opninion of course. I don't know Simmons, so not bashing the kid, I just don't like the mindset I see him play with.

 

[vernoncoy]

and if he doesn't declare, we keep Ulis"

Sounds like a "win-win" to me!!!!

 

[bucsrule8872]

So it sounds like Simmons is off the board. Fine by me. We are loaded already. We will have some talented guys sitting way down at the end of the bench that would be playing elsewhere. Cal will play 8 guys tops so Simmons would be riding pine all season anyway.

 

[mj2k10]

I'd be really, really, really hesitant to bring Simmons into a situation where he's an almost guaranteed backup, fighting for minutes. We're talking about a kid who entered the summer of 2015 ranked in the top 10 of the class, and almost certainly has one and done aspirations. If he was a knockdown jumpshooter, OK, maybe, because guys like that have defined roles that they can step right into.

Simmons isn't that, though, and given that UK is going to have Fox and Monk in the backcourt (and assuming all 3 of Murray, Ulis, and Briscoe leave), I'll be more than happy to see the starters get 30+ minutes, and have guys like Hawkins, Mulder, and Matthews backing them up. That's still excellent depth. Cal had years where his only real backup guard was Liggins (09-10), then Lamb (basically a 6th starter, 10-11), then Darius Miller (basically a 6th starter,11-12), and then Polson and Hawkins (13-14). UK got along fine all of those years. If UK has to give Monk some time at the point, the same way that Bledsoe, Liggins, and Lamb would slide over and play the position, that's fine by me.

 

[SosaUK]

Mentioned this on another thread, his dad is a millionaire and kids of employees get like half tuition anyway. I think he can afford to pay half in-state tuition if we really needed an extra scholly.

That's not true about tutition. My mom works at UK and I don't get shit.

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

Depends on the job. In this case, it's true.

 

[SosaUK]

Depends on the job. In this case, it's true.

Oh really? Oh I know at one time I might have gotten like 3 or 6 hours for free. Can't remember.

 

[JJBlue06]

IMO, I would take a sophomore Simmons over a freshman Trae Young. Simmons doesn't seem to be a one and done and that very well could play into Cal's plan. I know I'm getting ahead of everything but just stating with the way the 2017 class looks as of now. Just a thought.

 

[WitnessGreatness]

Calipari said he doesn't know if he's done recruiting for 2016 class so who knows

 

[DaBossIsBack]

Regardless we are in a great position.

 

[Drcatfan]

If Simmons is as good as advertised, then cal would take him if Ulis and Briscoe both go pro. This would be bad news for Matthews, Willis, and Mulder as Simmons would be taken the majority of the PT they are competing for.

 

[ZZBlueComet]

Absolutely.
I for one would hope Ulis stays to play with Fox and Monk, but sounds like Cal wants Ulis in the NBA next year.

Can you imgagine a 3-guard lineup of Ulis/Fox/Monk? That's unreal.